Automated canopy positioning system

ABSTRACT

Harmful effects of the sun are becoming more prominent than they have been in the past. Thus, appropriately shielding ourselves from the sun has become ever more important. Unfortunately, applying sunscreens to infants may not be preferable thus sunshade umbrellas have been developed that clamp onto a stroller and are user positionable to provide shade to the infant located thereunder. Unfortunately, as the stroller I moved with respect to the sun, the orientation of the umbrella must be varied in order to ensure the infant is in adequate shade. Not applicable to just stroller umbrellas, an automated position in system for an umbrella is thus disclosed. The automated positioning system orients the canopy of the umbrella in relation to the sun so that shade at a predetermine location is provided thereunder.

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/338,867, filed on: Jan. 9, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,128,076.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the area of solar protection coverings and morespecifically to the area of automated canopies that provide solarprotection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Skin cancer has become an increased concern due to the depletion of theozone layer, which protects people from the sun's harmful UV rays. Thus,in order to provide protection from the sun, people now use umbrellasnot only to keep themselves dry from rain but also to provide shade fromthe harmful effects of the sun. Solar umbrellas for providing shade arequite prevalent on patios and other outdoor facilities.

Of course, sunscreens can optionally be applied by individuals to blockthe harmful UV rays, however in some cases this may not be a preferableoption, especially when very young infants or those with allergies areinvolved. Since the chemicals in the sunscreens may react adversely withthe skin of young infants or those with allergies. Young infants areespecially susceptible to harmful UV rays when they are pushed around ina stroller by their parents. Thus, the strollers are typically equippedwith sun shades that are spatially oriented by parents in such a mannerto provide sun protection to the infant.

Unfortunately, as the stroller is moved, the spatial orientation of asun shade must typically be varied in order to maintain shade on theinfant. Thus, as the stroller is wheeled around the position of theshade on the infant changes; and as a result the parents have to stoppushing the stroller and they have to reposition the sun shade in orderto maintain their infant in the shade cast by the sun shade.

A need therefore exists for providing an umbrella, which offers solarprotection in a shadow cast therefrom, and one that does not requireconstant manual repositioning as a result of the orientation of the sunchanging with respect to the canopy. It is therefore an object of theinvention to provide an automated positioning system for a canopy of anumbrella that varies its position in an automated manner to facilitateproviding of a shaded area at a predetermined location as theorientation of the sun varies with respect to the canopy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of spatiallyorienting a canopy comprising the steps of: detecting an orientation ofa light source relative to the canopy;

moving of the canopy in dependence upon the detected orientation, thecanopy positioned for providing a shade under the canopy; and,maintaining the shade about an approximately predetermined locationrelative to which the canopy is moved.

In accordance with the invention there is also provided an apparatuscomprising: a canopy having an upper surface and a lower surface forproviding shade to a shaded area opposing the lower surface in responseto light impacting the upper surface; a first photodetector fordetecting at least one of an amount of light in the shaded area and anamount of light impacting the canopy upper surface, the detector forgenerating a photocurrent in response to light incident thereon;

a control circuit for receiving the photocurrent and for generating afirst control signal in dependence thereon; a positioning mechanismhaving a fixed portion and having a moving portion coupled with thecanopy for spatially orienting the canopy relative to the fixed portionabout at least an axis in response to the control signal for, in use,maintaining at least a portion of the shaded area in an approximatelypredetermined spatial orientation relative to the fixed portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described inconjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art solar umbrella;

FIG. 2 a illustrates a prior art variation of a solar umbrella;

FIG. 2 b illustrates a resilient portion provided with the prior artumbrella shown in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit for use with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a variation of a circuit for use with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a positional change of a canopy from an initialposition shown in FIG. 5 to a new position when the canopy is providedwith sunlight;

FIG. 7 a illustrates a spatial orientation of photodetectors on acanopy;

FIG. 7 b illustrates an orientation of a single photodetector on acanopy;

FIG. 8 illustrates a dual axis pivot component;

FIG. 9 illustrates a variation of the dual axis pivot component shown inFIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a stroller equipped with an automated canopypositioning system; and,

FIG. 11 illustrates an umbrella having a variation of the dual axispivot component shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 a, a prior art solar umbrella 10 is shown. The umbrella 10includes a canopy 11, for providing shade from the sun, an umbrellashaft 12, and a mechanism (not shown) for allowing movement of thecanopy between an open and a closed position. In the open position thecanopy provides shade from the sun, and in the closed position thecanopy other than substantially provides shade from the sun. Theumbrella shaft 12 is coupled to a resilient portion 16, which is furthercoupled to a mounting portion 14 for rigidly mounting to a frame member13, through the use of a clamping mechanism (not shown). The framemember 13 forms part of a stroller (not shown). The resilient portion 16is of a type that facilitates maintaining of the spatial orientation ofthe umbrella shaft 12 with respect to the mounting portion 14 inresponse to a force applied to the umbrella shaft, where the force issufficient to overcome the resiliency of the resilient portion 16. Thus,the resilient portion 16 is movable or malleable to set the spatialorientation of the canopy 11 and to maintain the spatial orientation ofthe canopy 11 with respect to the frame member 13 during normal use.

For instance, when the wind blows the resilient portion 16 allows forsome movement of the canopy 11 with respect to the frame member 13 as aresult thereof. However, it approximately maintains the spatialorientation of the canopy 11 with respect to the frame member 13, unlessa sufficient force is applied to the umbrella shaft 12 to overcome theresiliency in order to re orient the canopy 11 with respect to the framemember 13. Thus, when the clamping mechanism (not shown) is fixedlymounted to the frame member 13 as part of a stroller, the umbrella shaft12 is manually repositioned in such a manner that the canopy 11 providesshade to a shaded area in which, for instance, an infant is seated inthe stroller.

Effectively, the canopy blocks a portion of the harmful UV raysimpacting on the shaded area. Unfortunately, as the orientation of thestroller changes with respect to the sun, the spatial orientation of thecanopy 11 must be manually varied in order to re-orient the canopy 11,such that the shaded area remains shaded.

Prior art FIG. 2 a illustrates a variation of a solar umbrella 20. Theumbrella 20 has a canopy 21 and an umbrella shaft 22. The umbrella shaft22 is coupled to a moving portion (not shown) of a pivot component 26having a moving portion and a fixed portion 24. The fixed portion of thepivot component 26 is for rigidly mounting to a frame member 23 in theform of part of a stroller (not shown). The pivot component is a singleaxis pivot component 26, of a design for facilitating movement of theumbrella shaft 22 with respect to the fixed portion 24 about a singleaxis. The pivot allows for vaying the spatial orientation of the canopy21 with respect to the frame member 23 in response to loosening of a nut27, releasably engaged on a thread. The nut is for selectivelyfrictionally engaging the moving portion with respect to the fixedportion 24 of the pivot component 26. Thus, by loosening of the nut 27,the canopy 21 is manually variably spatially orientable with respect tothe fixed portion 24 in a spatial orientation about the single axis.Afterwards the nut 27 is tightened to fix the spatial orientation of thecanopy 21 with respect to the fixed portion 24.

In accordance with prior art FIG. 2 b, shown is a solar umbrella 200, aresilient portion 260 is provided between the umbrella shaft 22 and thepivot component 26 in order to facilitate movement of the canopy 21 inresponse to external forces such as wind, as well as to facilitatespatial orientation of the canopy. The resilience is selected tomaintain the canopy 21 with respect to the fixed portion 24 about atleast one axis.

Unfortunately, as the stroller is moved with respect to the sun,periodic variations in the spatial orientation of the canopy 11 and 21must be manually performed in order to ensure that the shaded areathereby provided encompasses the infant. Furthermore, if the solarumbrella is for instance used to provide shade to a fixed object in theform of a table, then movement of the sun with respect to the table alsocauses the shaded area under the canopy to vary in position relative tothe fixed object and thus manual reorienting of the canopy is necessaryto ensure that the shaded area under the canopy is at a desirablespatial orientation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit for use with an embodiment of theinvention. The circuit uses a first photodetector 31 to receive lightand to generate a photocurrent in response thereto. The photocurrentgenerated by the photodetectors is received by a control circuit 33,which is further coupled to an actuator 34. The control circuitcomprises circuitry which determines, from the received photocurrent, amagnitude of light energy impacting on the surface of the photodetector31. In dependence on the magnitude of the light energy, a control signalis generated by the control circuit. The control signal is provided tothe actuator, wherein the control signal has at least a polarity andpreferably is also characterized by a magnitude.

FIG. 4 illustrates a variation of the circuit for use with an embodimentof the invention. The circuit uses first and second photodetectors 48and 49 to receive light, the first and second photodetectors 48 and 49for generating photocurrents in response thereto. Both photocurrents,provided by the photodetectors, are received by a control circuit 43,which is further coupled to an actuator 44. The control circuit 43comprises circuitry that determines from the received photocurrents arelative magnitude of light energy impacting on the surface of each ofthe photodetectors 43, 44. In dependence upon the relative magnitude ofthe light energy, a control signal is generated and provided to theactuator 44. The control signal has at least a polarity and preferablyalso has a variable magnitude. Thus when the first photodetector 48receives more light energy than the second photodetector 49 the controlsignal has a first polarity, and when the first photodetector 48receives less light energy than the second photodetector 49 the controlsignal has a second other polarity. The first and second polarities eachin response thereto result in the actuator 44 moving in differentdirections being a first direction and a second other direction,respectively.

Optionally, the circuit is solar powered using at least a solar cell 47.As is evident to those of skill in the art, since the canopy is for usein providing shade, sun energy is typically incident on an upper surfaceof the canopy during use and, as such, placement of solar cells isstraightforward. The control circuit additionally has a circuit thatstores electrical energy received from the solar cell in an energystorage medium in the form of a capacitor or a rechargeable battery.Further optionally, the photodetectors act as solar cells andphotocurrent therefrom is used to charge an energy storage circuit thatis then used to power movement of the actuator in either the firstdirection or the second other direction.

In FIG. 5, an embodiment of the invention is shown that utilizes thecircuit featured in FIG. 4. In this embodiment an umbrella is provided,the umbrella has a canopy 51 and an umbrella shaft 52. The umbrellashaft 52 is coupled to a moving portion 501 of a pivot component 56having the moving portion 501 and a fixed portion 54. The moving portion501 is disposed proximate an end of the umbrella shaft opposite thecanopy 51. The fixed portion 54 of the pivot component 56 is for rigidmounting to a frame member 53. The frame member 53 is for example partof a vehicle, preferably in the form of a stroller (not shown) or partof a stationary object, such as a table. Of course, the rigid mountingmay be other than rigidly coupled to the frame member 53.

The circuit assembly has first and second photodetectors 58 and 59,preferably disposed about an outer surface of the canopy 51,electrically coupled to a control circuit 57 for providing a controlsignal to an actuator 55. Thus in response to a control signal generatedby the control circuit 57, the canopy 51 is spatially oriented about afirst axis with respect to the fixed portion 54 by the actuator 55. Thepivot component is preferably at least a single axis pivot component 56for supporting actuated movement of the umbrella shaft 52 with respectto the fixed portion 54 about at least a single axis with the actuator55 and circuit assembly as shown in FIG. 4. Movement about the at leasta single axis results in the canopy sweeping out a first arc when thecanopy moving portion 501 pivots about the first axis of the pivotcomponent 56. Alternatively, the first and second photodetectors 58 and59 are mounted about an other than outer surface of the canopy in such amanner that other than light impacting the outer surface of the canopyis received thereby. Alternatively, at least one of the first and secondphotodetectors 58 and 59 is mounted below the canopy adjacent a windowtherein for allowing light to pass therethrough.

For example, in a first predetermined mode of operation, the controlcircuit 57 samples photocurrents provided from the first and secondphotodetectors 58 and 59. The control circuit 57 determines relativeamplitude between the photocurrents and in response to the determinedrelative amplitude provides a control circuit for causing the actuator55 to move the canopy 51 in the direction toward the photodetectorproviding more photocurrent, until a point is reached wherein theamplitude of the photocurrents generated by each of the photodetectorsis approximately equal. Thus, in the first mode of operation, the canopy51 is spatially oriented in first and second directions in an attempt toequalize the photocurrents generated by each of the photodetectors.Alternatively, different photodetector placement and control criteriaare implemented within the control circuit 57 to, for example, positionthe canopy 51 in such a manner as to detect a least amount ofphotocurrent.

Thus, when the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 is mounted to a moving vehicleframe member 53 using a clamping mechanism as part of the fixed portion54, movement of the vehicle with respect to the sun, or other lightsource, results in automated movement of the canopy 51 with respect tothe fixed portion 54 in response to the control signal from the controlcircuit 57. One of skill in the art will understand that the movementdescribed above is in response to the control circuit satisfying adesign goal of equalizing photocurrents generated by each of thephotodetectors.

Alternatively, another design goal is implemented when thephotodetectors are different or differently oriented relative to thecanopy. Referring to FIG. 6, the sun 601, or other light source,provides light that is incident on both photodetectors 58 and 59. Usingan initial position as shown in FIG. 5, the control circuit 57 receivesboth photocurrents and generates a control signal having such a polaritythat the actuator 55 automatically re-positions the canopy 51, withrespect to the fixed portion 54, in such a manner that the canopyautomatically arrives at an other than initial position. In this otherthan initial position shade from the light source is provided under thecanopy between shade lines 602 and 603, as shown in FIG. 6. In thisother than initial position, each of the photodetectors are illuminatedby substantially a same amount of light and movement of the canopy 51with respect to the fixed portion 54 is approximately stopped. In thisapproximately stopped position, the control circuit 57 either generatesa control signal that changes polarities at a rate that is insufficientto cause substantial displacement of the actuator 55 in either the firstor second directions, or the magnitude of the control signal isdecreased sufficiently to provide other than sufficient power to movethe actuator 55 substantially as the difference in photocurrentsobserved on each of the photodetectors is approximately zero. Of course,the difference in photocurrents observed on each of the photodetectorsis optionally in accordance with other predetermined design goals of thecontrol circuit.

Referring to FIG. 7 a, the orientation of a first pair of photodetectors58, 59, and a second pair of photodetectors 78, 79 are shown. The firstpair of photodetectors 58 and 59 are for generating photocurrents thatare for use by the control circuit to provide a control signal forpositioning the canopy 70 about a first axis and the second pair ofphotodetectors 58 and 59 are for generating photocurrents that are foruse by the control circuit to provide a control signal for positioningthe canopy 70 about a second axis. Preferably the first and the secondaxes are orthogonal one to the other.

In FIG. 8, a dual axis pivot component 86 is shown, mounted to a fixedportion 84 that is mounted to a frame 83 of an object. An umbrella shaft82 is pivotally mounted to the dual axis pivot component 86. The dualaxis pivot component comprises actuators; the actuator are for pivotingthe canopy 70 about a first axis 801 and a second axis 802, with respectto the fixed portion 84. Preferably, the photodetectors shown in FIG. 7a are oriented on the canopy 70 in such a manner that the first pair ofphotodetectors, photodetectors 88 a and 88 b, are positionedsubstantially parallel to an arc swept by the umbrella shaft when theumbrella shaft moves about the first axis 801 and that the second pairof photodetectors, photodetector 89 b and another photodetector (notshown), are positioned substantially parallel to an arc swept by theumbrella shaft when the umbrella shaft moves about the second axis 802.

Thus, the umbrella shaft 82 moves about the two orthogonal axes 801 and802 in response to first and second control signals generated by thecontrol circuit (not shown). The control circuit shown in FIG. 4 isoptionally employed and provided with an additional two photodetectorsand an additional actuator in order to facilitate movement of theumbrella shaft about the two axes. When the canopy 70 is provided withlight from a light source, such as the sun, the first and second controlsignals provided to first and second actuators, respectively, result inthe canopy 70 of the umbrella automatically orienting itself toward thesun in a manner in accordance with predetermined design goals.Preferably, the shaded area under the canopy provides shade in a desiredlocation as a result of the spatial orienting of the canopy 70 withrespect to the fixed portion 84. Alternatively, a single actuator isprovided for orienting the canopy about both axes in response to the twocontrol signals.

Of course, instead of using the circuit shown in FIG. 4, optionally thecircuit shown in FIG. 3 is utilized with the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.When using the control circuit shown in FIG. 3, a single photodetector72 is provided on the canopy 71 or umbrella shaft (not shown). In thiscase however, when a single photodetector is used, as shown in FIG. 7 b,it is more difficult to determine in which direction to actuate eitherof the actuators. As a result, for a single axis, the control circuitstores the photocurrent generated by the photodetector 72 in a currentorientation of the canopy 70, orients the canopy in a first direction,stores the photocurrent generated by the photodetector 72 in this neworientation, then determines whether the stored photocurrent is largerfor the orientation of the canopy in the current orientation or the neworientation, and generates a control signal provided to the actuator toposition the canopy in such a manner so that the photocurrent generatedby the photodetector 72 is in accordance with predetermined parametersset forth within the control circuit. For a dual axis system, this sameprocess is repeated for pivoting of the canopy 70 about the second axis802. However, using a single photodetector is less preferable than usingtwo photodetectors per axis. When two photodetectors are employed foreach axis, an immediate gradient is observed for that axis by measuringa difference in the magnitudes of each of the photocurrents within thecontrol circuit.

Referring to FIG. 9, a variation of the dual axis pivot mechanism isshown for a solar umbrella for use with a table 908. A dual axis pivotcomponent is provided between a fixed portion 903 and an umbrella shaft905. The fixed portion 903 is mounted to the table 908. The dual axispivot component has an intermediate component 904, thus the umbrellashaft 90 is pivotally mounted to the intermediate component 904, forpivoting about a first axis 906 with respect to the intermediatecomponent 904, and the intermediate component 904 is pivotally mountedto the fixed portion 903 for pivoting about a second axis 907 withrespect to the fixed portion 903. Preferably, the first and the secondaxes 906 and 907 are orthogonal. At an end of the umbrella shaft 905,other than the end that is pivotally mounted to the intermediatecomponent 904, a canopy 70 is disposed. The umbrella shaft 905 has amechanism for allowing movement of the canopy 70 between an openposition and a closed position.

Two actuators (not shown) are provided for pivoting of the canopy 70about the first axis 906 and the second axis 907 in response tophotocurrents generated by photodetectors 98 a and 98 b (hidden in FIG.9), and photodetectors 99 a (hidden in FIG. 9) and 99 b andphotodetectors 58 and 79 (hidden in FIG. 8). Preferably thephotodetectors such as those shown in FIG. 7 a are oriented on thecanopy 70 in such a manner that the first pair, photodetectors 98 a and98 b, are positioned substantially parallel to an arc swept by theumbrella shaft when the umbrella shaft pivots about the first axis 906and that the second pair, photodetector 99 b and another photodetector(not shown), are positioned substantially parallel to an arc swept bythe umbrella shaft when the umbrella shaft pivots about the second axis907. A control circuit (not shown) is provided for receiving thephotocurrents from each of the photodetectors and for generating thecontrol signal for provision to the actuators. Thus, in use, theactuators automatically orient the canopy 70 with respect to the table908 in accordance with predetermined criteria set forth within thecontrol circuit. The canopy 70 provides shade within a shaded areabetween shadow lines 901 and 902.

Preferably, the shaded area varies its position with respect to thecanopy as the orientation of the table with respect to the sun is variedthus providing shade to the table at a similar location as theorientation of the table to the sun changes.

Referring to FIG. 10, a further embodiment of the invention is shown. Inthis embodiment a stroller 1002 is provided with a canopy 1001 pivotallymounted to a frame portion 1009 of the stroller about pivot points 1005and 1006. The canopy 1001 exhibits actuated movement with respect to thestroller 1002 between first and second positions 1003 and 1004,respectively. Photodetectors 1007 and 1008 are disposed on at least oneof a frame portion of the stroller and on the canopy to detect light andto generate photocurrent in response thereto. A control circuit (such asthe one illustrated in FIG. 4) is used to receive this photocurrent andto provide a control signal for actuating movement of the canopy. Forpowering of the control circuit an optional generator 1010 is installedwith its stator coupled to the frame portion 1009 and its armaturecoupled to a wheel on the stroller. Thus, movement of the strollerresults in rotation of the arniature, which in turn provides electricalenergy to the control circuit. Optionally, an energy storage device 1014in the form of a battery is provided for storing energy and for poweringof the control circuit and actuator when the stroller is stationary.Further optionally, an electrical port 1012 having a predeterminedconfiguration consistent with an interface for a portable electronicdevice is provided. For instance, the electrical port 1012 receivespower from the energy storage device 1014.

Referring to FIG. 11, a further embodiment of the invention is shown. Inaccordance with this embodiment, a variation of the dual axis pivotmechanism is shown for a solar umbrella for use with a table 1108. Inthis case a dual axis pivot component is provided between a fixedportion 1103 and an umbrella shaft 1105. The fixed portion 1103 ismounted to the table 1108. The dual axis pivot component has anintermediate component 1104, thus the umbrella shaft 1105 is pivotallymounted to the intermediate component 1104, for pivoting about a firstaxis 1106 with respect to the intermediate component 1104, and theintermediate component 1104 is pivotally mounted to the fixed portion1103 for pivoting about a second axis 1107 with respect to the fixedportion 1103. Preferably, the first and the second axes 1106 and 1107are orthogonal. At an end of the umbrella shaft 1105, other than the endthat is pivotally mounted to the intermediate component 1104, a canopy70 is disposed. The umbrella shaft 1105 preferably includes a mechanismfor allowing movement of the canopy 70 between an open position and aclosed position. Two actuators (not shown) are provided for pivoting ofthe canopy 70 about the first axis 1106 and the second axis 1107 inresponse to photocurrents generated by photodetectors 78 and 59, andphotodetectors 58 and 79 (occluded in FIG. 11).

Alternatively, the canopy includes a switch actuated by opening andclosing of the canopy. Thus in a first open position the switch isactuated and electrical energy from a power source is provided to thecontrol circuit. In a second closed position electrical energy from thepower source is other than provided to the control circuit.

Alternatively, a rain sensor 1112, and a rain detection circuit 1114, isprovided for detecting whether the upper surface of the canopy issubjected to rain. If a determination is made that rain is present thenthe rain sensor provides a rain signal to the control circuit. Thecontrol circuit in response to the rain signal provides control signalsfor moving the canopy to a covering position. For an umbrella typecanopy, this is an upright position for the support shaft.

Of course, the optical sensors need not be disposed on the umbrellacanopy. Optionally they are disposed on other than the canopy of theumbrella in such an orientation that they detect one of shade within theshaded area formed by the canopy and an angle of light impacting thecanopy. Thus, moving of the canopy need not result in motion of thephotodetectors.

Advantageously, by providing an automated system for positioning of thecanopy with respect to an object, manually orienting of the canopy isfor the most part obviated.

Preferably, the control circuit is powered by solar power or strollermotion, obviating the need for extension cords and batteries. Further,this results in an environmentally friendly automated canopy positioningsystem. Alternatively, the positioning system is powered by a portablepower source in the form of a battery. Further alternatively, thepositioning system is powered by a power grid.

Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a stroller having atleast a wheel for rolling along a surface and for supporting thestroller during rolling thereof; a generator mounted to the stroller androtationally coupled to the at least a wheel; a shade rotationallycoupled to a frame of the stroller; a sensor for sensing a relativeorientation between a light source and the stroller, the sensor forproviding a sensor signal in dependence upon the sensed orientation; acontroller for receiving the sensor signal from the sensor and forproviding a control signal in dependence upon the sensor signal; and, anactuator disposed for changing an angle of the shade relative to theframe in response to the control signal, the actuator electricallycoupled to the generator, wherein when the stroller is moved relative toa ground surface in a standard fashion, the generator is actuatedthereby producing an electric potential, and wherein the angle of theshade is changed to compensate for movement of the light source relativeto the stroller resulting from the movement of the stroller relative tothe pound surface in the standard fashion.
 2. A stroller according toclaim 1 comprising: an electrical energy storage device for storingelectrical energy associated with the produced electrical potential. 3.A stroller accroding to claim 1 comprising: an electrical port having apredetermined configuration consistent with an interface for a portableelectronic device.
 4. A stroller according to claim 1 wherein the shadeis coupled to the frame via a first rotational mechanism supporting arotation of the shade relative to a first axis and a second rotationalmechanism supporting a second other rotation of the shade about a secondother axis.
 5. A stroller according to claim 1 wherein the sensorcomprises a plurality of light sensitive devices.
 6. A strolleraccording to claim 1 comprising a photovoltaic cell electrically coupledto the energy storage device.
 7. An apparatus comprising: a strollercomprising a frame; a sensor for sensing changing orientation of a lightsource relative to the stroller resulting from motion of the strollerrelative to a around surface, and for providing a sensor signalindicative of the changing orientation of the light source relative tothe stroller; and, a sun shade rotationally coupled to the frame andactuated such that an orientation of the sun shade relative to thestroller varies in dependence upon the sensor signal.
 8. An apparatusaccording to claim 6 comprising: a controller having an input port forreceiving the sensor signal and an output port for providing a controlsignal; and, an actuator for receiving the control signal, the actuatorcoupled the frame and the sun shade for varying the orientation of thesun shade relative to the frame in dependence upon the control signal.9. An apparatus according to claim 6 comprising: a photovoltaic cellelectrically coupled to the actuator.
 10. An apparatus according toclaim 8 wherein the photovoltaic cell is disposed on a surface of thesun shade.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 8 comprising: an energystorage device electrically coupled to the photovoltaic cell.
 12. Anapparatus according to claim 6 comprising: a generator electricallycoupled to the actuator, the generator for producing electrical energyin response to a movement of the stroller along a surface.
 13. A methodcomprising: providing a stroller, the stroller having a generatordisposed therein for producing electrical energy in response to arotation of at least a wheel of the stroller, the stroller having a sunshade coupled to a frame thereof, an orientation of the sun shaderelative to the stroller being controllably variable; moving thestroller in a fashion that causes the at least a wheel to rotate andthat changes an orientation of the stroller relative to a light source;using a sensor, sensing the change of orientation of the strollerrelative to the light source; providing a control signal from the sensorto an actuator that is in communication with the sun shade, the controlsignal indicative of the sensed change of orientation of the strollerrelative to the light source; and, using the actuator, controllablyvarying the orientation of the sun shade relative to the stroller independence upon the control signal, so as to compensate for the changeof orientation of the stroller relative to the light source.